THREE men have been arrested in connection with an alleged assault and a robbery in Dorset.

On Thursday, April 21 between 10pm and 10.15pm a 15-year-old boy was sitting in a bus stop at Station Road car park, opposite the Co-op in Sturminster Newton, when he was 'assaulted by a male teenager'.

It is reported that a short time later the victim returned to the bus stop and was approached by a group of people and following a brief interaction, one of the group allegedly grabbed the victim’s bag and stole it.

The incidents were reported to Dorset Police at 10.17pm. The victim did not sustain any serious injuries.

Police say following enquiries, a 21-year-old man from north Dorset was arrested on suspicion of theft and a 19-year-old man from the Dorchester area was arrested on suspicion of theft and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

An 18-year-old man from north Dorset was arrested on suspicion of assault and theft.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Detective Inspector Nicky Jenkins, of Weymouth CID, said: “We are continuing to investigate these incidents and would urge any witnesses who have not already spoken to police to please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220062872.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.